Leaves - raw in salads or added as a flavouring to cooked foods[2, 11, 46, 61]. Thyme retains its flavour well in long slow cooking. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly[200]. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves[21].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Wild thyme is a commonly used domestic remedy, being employed especially for its antiseptic properties and its beneficial effect on the digestive system. The whole plant is anthelmintic, strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, deodorant, diaphoretic, disinfectant, expectorant, sedative and tonic[4, 165, 200, 238, 254]. It is taken internally in the treatment of bronchitis, catarrh, laryngitis, flatulent indigestion, painful menstruation, colic and hangovers[238]. It is said to be effective in treating alcoholism[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238]. Externally, it is applied to minor injuries, mastitis, mouth, throat and gum infections etc[238]. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use[238]. The seeds are used as a vermifuge[240]. Wild thyme contains all the medicinal properties of the more commonly used garden thyme (T. vulgaris), though in a lesser degree[4]. An essential oil distilled from the leaves is used in the treatment of stress-related conditions, though it can cause allergic reactions[238].

An essential oil from the leaves and flowering tops is used in perfumery, soaps, medicinally etc. It has fungicidal and disinfectant properties[4, 7]. About 150 grams of oil are obtained from 100 kilos of plant material[4]. The dried flowers are used to repel moths from clothing[4]. The growing plant is said to repel cabbage root fly[18, 20]. A good ground cover for a sunny position[197]. It needs weeding for the first year or so[197]. Plants are best spaced about 45cm apart each way[208]. Plants are only satisfactory when young or growing luxuriantly - they are apt to become bare in patches otherwise[208]. Summer flowers bring bees. Perennial groundcover for zone 2 firebreaks. The US government has created a system of firebreaks for areas prone to wildfires, theses are separated into concentric zones surrounding buildings. Zone 2 is the second away from the house. These low-level groundcovers provide little fuel.

Special Uses